Día de Muertos is almost here, which means families across El Paso will soon begin building ofrendas to honor loved ones who have passed.
Last year, I came across something that stopped me mid-scroll: a minimalist ofrenda. Think soft neutrals, white candles and clean lines instead of the colorful altars many of us are used to seeing along the border.
This year, though, I’m noticing a very different trend online: people are saying NO to the minimalist ofrenda.
And as someone from El Paso, I get it. Does everything really need the beige treatment?
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Why People Are Saying No to Minimalist Ofrendas
Minimalism has found its way into everything from home décor to Christmas decorations, but Día de Muertos seems to be where some people are drawing the line.
Traditional ofrendas are known for being colorful and full of meaningful items: cempasúchil, papel picado, candles, photographs, food, drinks and belongings that remind us of the people we’re honoring.
The color isn’t just there to make the altar look pretty, either. Many of the elements placed on an ofrenda have meaning and help welcome loved ones back.
That’s why stripping everything down to match a neutral aesthetic can feel a little strange.
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Día de Muertos Ofrendas Can Be Simple and Still Be Meaningful
Of course, there’s a difference between a simple ofrenda and a minimalist aesthetic.
Not everyone in El Paso has the space, time or money for an elaborate altar. Sometimes an ofrenda really is just a photograph, a candle and a few meaningful items- and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.
At the heart of Día de Muertos is remembrance, not how big your altar is or how much you spent creating it.
El Paso’s Día de Muertos Ofrendas Deserve Some Color
Personally, I’ll always be team colorful ofrendas.
Give me the marigolds, papel picado, sugar skulls, pan de muerto, family photos and someone’s favorite soda all squeezed together on one altar.
Traditions evolve, especially here on the border, but maybe not everything needs to become a minimalist home décor trend.
An ofrenda is about remembering someone you love and welcoming them home.
And personally? If I came back for Día de Muertos and my family didn’t have a colorful ofrenda, I’d start haunting them!
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